GoKawiilAbhishek Appaji has committed his career to bringing lifesaving technology to underresourced communities. The IEEE senior member weaves together artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, deep learning, and neuroscience to make doctors’ jobs easier and to improve patient outcomes.
“The intersection of these fields is where the most impactful breakthroughs in diagnostic precision occur,” says Appaji, an associate professor of medical electronics engineering at the B.M.S. College of Engineering, in Bengaluru, India.
Abhishek Appaji Employer B.M.S. College of Engineering, in Bengaluru, India Job title Associate professor of medical electronics engineering Member grade IEEE senior member Alma maters B.M.S. College of Engineering; University of Visvesvaraya, in Bengaluru; Maastricht University, in the Netherlands
Many of his inventions have been deployed in remote areas of India, providing physicians with quality diagnostic tools, including an AI-powered machine that can scan retinas to detect medical conditions and a smart bed that continuously monitors a patient’s vital signs.
An active volunteer with the IEEE Young Professionals Bangalore Section, he has launched professional networking events, technology workshops, a mentorship program, and other initiatives.
For his “contributions to accessible AI-driven health care solutions and leadership in empowering young professionals,” Appaji is the recipient of this year’s IEEE Theodore W. Hissey Outstanding Young Professional Award. The honor is sponsored by the IEEE Photonics and Power & Energy societies as well as IEEE Young Professionals. The award is scheduled to be presented this month during the IEEE Honors Ceremony in New York City.
“This award represents a significant milestone in my career,” Appaji says. “It validates my core belief that our success as engineers is not solely measured by research outcomes or publications but by the tangible impact we have on lives through accessible technology and the quality of the next generation of leaders we empower.”
Developing a blood glucose measurement device
After earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from B.M.S. in 2010, he joined the school as a lecturer in its medical electronics engineering department. At the same time, he pursued master’s degrees in bioinformatics at the University Visvesvarya College of Engineering, also in Bengaluru. He graduated in 2013 and continued to teach at B.M.S.C.E.
Four years later, Appaji signed up for the MIT Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a two-week intensive hybrid program that includes webinars, online courses, and a five-day stay at MIT. It’s designed to give teams of aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and early-stage founders the structured mindset, tools, and frameworks they need to succeed.
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